To reconsider amendment to H.R. 338, to permit voting again on an amendment exempting tea and coffee from duty. (p. 1054-3)

On Feb 20, 1861, the Senate voted 25–20 (HR 338). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 6–19, Democrats 17–1, Others 2–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 7 members voted against their own party.

During the 36th Congress (1859–1860), James Buchanan was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.

Yes: 25
No: 20
Did not vote: 25
Date: Feb 20, 1861

By party

Democrats17 yes · 1 no · 23 didn’t vote
Republicans6 yes · 19 no · 2 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

James Harlan R-IA voted yes
James Wilson Grimes R-IA voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted no
Henry Wilson R-MA voted yes
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
Edward Dickinson Baker R-OR voted yes
Solomon Foot R-VT voted yes

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To reconsider amendment to H.R. 338, to…: Senate Vote, Feb 20, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-505/to-reconsider-amendment-to-h-r-338-to-permit (accessed 2026-10-17).